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Abstract:

Provided is an acoustic wave measuring apparatus including: an acoustic
probe; region-of-interest setting unit for setting two or more regions of
interest for an object; priority setting unit for setting priorities on
the regions of interest; region calculating unit for determining, for
each of the set priorities, an inclusion region including the regions of
interest set with the priority; scanning method determining unit for
assigning a scanning stripe to each of the inclusion regions so as to
include all regions of interest included in the inclusion region;
scanning path identifying unit for determining a scanning order of a
plurality of scanning stripes having a same priority so as to shorten a
movement distance of the acoustic probe; and scanning unit for scanning
the scanning stripes according to the determined scanning order, based on
the priority order, by moving the acoustic probe.

Claims:

1. An acoustic wave measuring apparatus, comprising: an acoustic probe; a
region-of-interest setting unit configured to set two or more regions of
interest for an object; a priority setting unit configured to set
priorities on the regions of interest that have been set; a region
calculating unit configured to determine, for each of the set priorities,
an inclusion region including the regions of interest set with the
priority; a scanning method determining unit configured to assign a
scanning stripe, which is a rectangle that is formed by moving the
acoustic probe in a scanning direction, to each of the inclusion regions
so as to include all regions of interest included in the inclusion
region; a scanning path identifying unit configured to determine a
scanning order of a plurality of scanning stripes having a same priority
so as to shorten a movement distance of the acoustic probe; and a
scanning unit configured to scan the scanning stripes according to the
determined scanning order, based on the priority order, by moving the
acoustic probe.

2. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a moving speed acquiring unit configured to calculate a speed
of the acoustic probe when the acoustic probe moves while performing
measurement, wherein the scanning method determining unit divides each of
the assigned scanning stripes and determines to execute, relative to each
of the divided regions, one among performing measurement while moving the
acoustic probe, performing measurement by stopping the acoustic probe, or
moving the acoustic probe without performing measurement, so as to
shorten a time required for scanning the scanning stripes.

3. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein,
when a region of interest having a first priority and a region of
interest having a second priority which is lower than the first priority
overlap with each other, the scanning unit performs scanning by excluding
the overlapping region upon scanning the region of interest having the
second priority, and uses, as information to be acquired from the
overlapping region, information that has been acquired upon scanning the
region of interest having the first priority.

4. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 3, wherein,
when assigning a scanning stripe to the inclusion region having the first
priority, the scanning method determining unit determines an assignment
position of the scanning stripe so as to shorten a scanning distance upon
measuring the region of interest having the second priority.

5. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 2, wherein
the acoustic probe further includes an ultrasound source configured to
transmit ultrasound waves to the object, and receives reflected waves
from the object, and wherein the moving speed acquiring unit calculates
the speed of the acoustic probe when the acoustic probe moves while
performing measurement based on a drive frequency of the acoustic probe
and an element pitch of the acoustic probe in a main scanning direction.

6. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 2, further
comprising a light source for irradiating light onto the object, wherein
the acoustic probe receives a photoacoustic signal generated from the
object based on a photoacoustic effect caused by the light, and wherein
the moving speed acquiring unit calculates the speed of the acoustic
probe when the acoustic probe moves while performing measurement based on
a light-emitting frequency of the light source and an element pitch of
the acoustic probe in a main scanning direction.

7. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 1, further
comprising a camera configured to capture an image of an object, wherein
the region-of-interest setting unit presents an image of the object
captured by the camera to a user, and receives a setting of the region of
interest from the user who has referred to the image of the object.

8. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 7, wherein
the region calculating unit determines the inclusion region by converting
a coordinate system of the image of the object captured by the camera
into a coordinate system in the apparatus, and wherein the scanning path
identifying unit determines the scanning order based on the coordinate
system in the apparatus.

9. The acoustic wave measuring apparatus according to claim 6, wherein a
cumulative number of the photoacoustic signal is determined according to
a designation by a user, and wherein the moving speed acquiring unit
calculates the moving speed by using the cumulative number.

10. A method of controlling an acoustic wave measuring apparatus having
an acoustic probe, comprising the steps of: receiving a designation of
two or more regions of interest for an object; receiving a designation of
priorities on the regions of interest that have been set; determining,
for each of the designated priorities, an inclusion region including the
regions of interest; assigning a scanning stripe, which is a rectangle
that is formed by moving the acoustic probe in a scanning direction, to
each of the inclusion regions so as to include all regions of interest
included in the inclusion region; and determining a scanning order of a
plurality of scanning stripes having a same priority so as to shorten a
movement distance of the acoustic probe, wherein the scanning stripes are
scanned according to the determined scanning order, based on the priority
order, by moving the acoustic probe.

Description:

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to an acoustic wave measuring
apparatus and a control method of such an acoustic wave measuring
apparatus.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] An ultrasound measuring apparatus of imaging the structure inside a
biological object by transmitting ultrasound waves to the biological
object and analyzing the reflected ultrasound waves has been put into
practical application in the medical area. When ultrasound waves are
transmitted to the biological object, the reflection of ultrasound waves
occurs at the interfaces in the biological object having different
acoustic impedances. An ultrasound measuring apparatus images
configuration information in the biological object by analyzing the
reflected waves and detecting the interfaces.

[0005] Moreover, in recent years, technology has been devised for
analyzing the structure and condition of the surface and inside of a
biological object by irradiating a laser beam onto the biological object
and generating acoustic waves (photoacoustic waves) caused by such laser
irradiation from the inside of the biological object, and analyzing such
photoacoustic waves (U.S. Pat. No. 5,840,023). This technology is also
referred to as photoacoustic wave measurement, and there is consideration
for diverting this technology to medical use, such as for the examination
of the inside of the human body, since examination can be performed
non-invasively.

[0006] Both of the apparatuses described above use an acoustic probe for
receiving the ultrasound waves. As the acoustic probe, there are types
which are handheld and used by being manually pressed against the skin
near the region of interest which the user wishes to acquire information,
and types which mechanically scan the surface of the skin of the
biological object by introducing a mechanical scanning mechanism.

[0007] With existing acoustic probes, it is difficult to produce a sensor
with a large opening as with an X-ray imaging apparatus from the
perspective of production yield and cost. Thus, the generally adopted
method is to use an acoustic probe of a size that is smaller than the
region that needs to be examined and covering such region to be examined
via automatic or manual scanning.

[0008] A measuring apparatus which mechanically drives an acoustic probe
includes an input setting unit to be used by the user for setting the
region of interest. The input setting unit is configured, for example,
from devices such as a keyboard, a mouse, or a touch pen, and is used for
setting the region of interest by inputting the detailed measurement
setting, or designating the measuring position. Among the foregoing
apparatuses, there are types which enable the user to designate, in
detail, the scanning track of the probe by using a touch pen or the like
(Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-000185). A measuring
apparatus performs measurement while moving the acoustic probe so as to
trace the designated scanning track.

[0011] A conventional measuring apparatus has a problem in that much time
is required for measuring an object in both photoacoustic measurement and
ultrasound measurement. For example, with mammography for examining
breast cancer, the suspected site is compressed and fixed for
measurement, and the time that imposes burden on the subject due to
compression is preferably short.

[0012] In fact, the level of burden felt in response to the compression
and fixation will vary among different individuals, and certain subjects
are unable to withstand such compression and fixation for a long period
of time. Generally speaking, in measurement using ultrasound waves and
photoacoustic waves, higher examination accuracy can be obtained as the
thickness of the suspected site is shallower. Thus, in order to ensure
the required examination accuracy, a certain level of compressive holding
is required.

[0013] Due to the foregoing circumstances, the measurement time is
desirably as short as possible. Nevertheless, when there are a plurality
of set regions of interest, the acoustic probe makes a round by scanning
all regions and, therefore, the movement distance increases, and there is
a problem in that wasted time results depending on the scanning order.

[0014] Moreover, even in cases where the measurement is suspended midway,
data of a location of high measurement priority is preferably acquired as
much as possible. When a plurality of regions of interest are designated,
it is possible to deal with the foregoing case by assigning a priority to
each of the plurality of regions of interest and performing scanning in
that priority order. Nevertheless, for a conventional apparatus to deal
with the foregoing problem, the user was required to personally be aware
of the foregoing circumstances and designate the scanning track in order
from the location of highest priority, and the operation was complicated.

[0015] The present invention was devised in view of the foregoing
problems, and an object of this invention is to provide an acoustic wave
measuring apparatus capable of simplifying the setting operation to be
performed by the user, and determining a scanning path among a plurality
of regions of interest according to a priority order.

[0016] In order to achieve the foregoing object, the present invention
provides an acoustic wave measuring apparatus, comprising:

[0017] an acoustic probe;

[0018] a region-of-interest setting unit configured to set two or more
regions of interest for an object;

[0019] a priority setting unit configured to set priorities on the regions
of interest that have been set;

[0020] a region calculating unit configured to determine, for each of the
set priorities, an inclusion region including the regions of interest set
with the priority;

[0021] a scanning method determining unit configured to assign a scanning
stripe, which is a rectangle that is formed by moving the acoustic probe
in a scanning direction, to each of the inclusion regions so as to
include all regions of interest included in the inclusion region;

[0022] a scanning path identifying unit configured to determine a scanning
order of a plurality of scanning stripes having a same priority so as to
shorten a movement distance of the acoustic probe; and

[0023] a scanning unit configured to scan the scanning stripes according
to the determined scanning order, based on the priority order, by moving
the acoustic probe.

[0024] The present invention also provides a method of controlling an
acoustic wave measuring apparatus having an acoustic probe, comprising
the steps of:

[0025] receiving a designation of two or more regions of interest for an
object;

[0026] receiving a designation of priorities on the regions of interest
that have been set;

[0027] determining, for each of the designated priorities, an inclusion
region including the regions of interest;

[0028] assigning a scanning stripe, which is a rectangle that is formed by
moving the acoustic probe in a scanning direction, to each of the
inclusion regions so as to include all regions of interest included in
the inclusion region; and

[0029] determining a scanning order of a plurality of scanning stripes
having a same priority so as to shorten a movement distance of the
acoustic probe,

[0030] wherein the scanning stripes are scanned according to the
determined scanning order, based on the priority order, by moving the
acoustic probe.

[0031] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an
acoustic wave measuring apparatus capable of simplifying the setting
operation to be performed by the user, and determining a scanning path
among a plurality of regions of interest according to a priority order.

[0032] Further features of the present invention will become apparent from
the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the
attached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram of the photoacoustic
measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 2 is a setting screen example of the region of interest by the
region designating unit;

[0035]FIG. 3 is a processing flowchart of the controller unit according
to the first embodiment;

[0036]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram in the case of setting a plurality of
regions of interest;

[0037]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of the inclusion region relative to
the region of interest according to the first embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 6 is an example of the stripe assignment to the inclusion
region according to the first embodiment;

[0039]FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of determining the scanning region in
the notable stripe according to the first embodiment;

[0040]FIG. 8 is a detailed explanatory diagram of the processing
flowchart of the controller unit;

[0041]FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of data accumulation based on the
continuous scanning by the acoustic probe;

[0042] FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams of the overlapping region
of the regions of interest and cumulative data according to the second
embodiment; and

[0043] FIG. 11A to 11D are schematic diagrams in a case where an excess
data measurement region occurs according to the third embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0044] Embodiments of the present invention are now explained in further
detail with reference to the drawings. Note that, as a general rule, the
same reference number is given to the same constituent elements and the
explanation thereof is omitted.

(System Configuration)

[0045] Foremost, the configuration of an acoustic wave measuring apparatus
to which the present invention can be applied is explained taking a
photoacoustic measuring apparatus as an example with reference to FIG. 1,
which is a system configuration diagram. The photoacoustic measuring
apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention is a
photoacoustic imaging apparatus for acquiring information (in particular
imaging) inside the object. The photoacoustic measuring apparatus enables
the imaging of information of a biological object as the object for the
diagnosis of malignant tumors and vascular diseases or the follow-up of
chemical treatment. Information of a biological object refers to the
generation source distribution of the acoustic waves that were generated
based on the irradiation of light, and shows the initial sound pressure
distribution in the biological object or the light energy absorption
density distribution derived therefrom.

[0046] The photoacoustic measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention is configured, in a broad sense, from a measuring
apparatus 100 and an operating apparatus 200. The measuring apparatus 100
is an apparatus for performing measurement using photoacoustic waves, and
the operating apparatus 200 is an apparatus for operating the measuring
apparatus 100. The measuring apparatus 100 includes a laser light source
101, an optical system 102 and a light source drive unit 106, compression
plates 103a and 103b, an acoustic probe 104 and a probe drive unit 105,
an apparatus control unit 107, a camera 108, and a signal processing unit
109. Moreover, the operating apparatus 200 includes a region designating
unit 201, an image generating unit 202, an image display unit 203, and a
system control unit 204. The object measuring method is now explained
while explaining the configuration of the respective components.

[0047] An object (not shown) such as a biological object is fixed by
compression plates 103a, 103b for compressing and fixing the suspected
site from either side thereof. Note that, when it is not necessary to
differentiate the compression plates 103a and 103b, a collective
designation of "compression plate 103" will be used. The laser light
source 101 is means for generating a laser beam to be irradiated onto the
object, and can be moved planarly in a two-dimensional direction by the
light source drive unit 106, which is drive means. The laser beam
generated by the laser light source 101 is guided to the surface of the
compression plate 103a by the optical system 102 such as a lens, a
mirror, or an optical fibre, becomes dispersed pulsed light, and
irradiated on the object.

[0048] When a part of the energy of light that propagated inside the
object is absorbed by a light absorber such as blood vessels, acoustic
waves are generated based on thermal expansion from that light absorber.
Acoustic waves are typically ultrasound waves, and include those which
are referred to as sound waves, ultrasound waves, acoustic waves,
photoacoustic waves, and light-induced ultrasound waves. In other words,
the temperature of the light absorber increases pursuant to the
absorption of the pulsed light, volume expansion occurs due to such
temperature rise, whereby acoustic waves are generated.

[0049] This phenomenon is generally referred to as the photoacoustic
effect, and it is possible to acquire the generation source distribution
of acoustic waves that were generated based on the irradiation of light,
initial sound pressure distribution in the object, or light energy
absorption density distribution or absorption coefficient distribution
derived from the initial sound pressure distribution, and concentration
distribution of the substance configuring the tissues. The concentration
distribution of a substance is, for example, oxygen saturation
distribution and oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin concentration
distribution.

[0050] The acoustic probe 104 for detecting acoustic waves corresponds to
a detector configured from a plurality of receiving elements which detect
the acoustic waves that were generated in or reflected from the object. A
detector detects acoustic waves that were generated in the object, and
converts the acoustic waves into an electric signal, which is an analog
signal. The detection signal acquired by the detector is referred to as a
photoacoustic signal. The acoustic probe 104 can also move planarly in a
two-dimensional direction by the probe drive unit 105, which is a drive
mechanism.

[0051] Note that, while an embodiment of the present invention acquires
information of an object by using photoacoustic waves, it is also
possible to acquire object information by internally providing an
ultrasound source in the acoustic probe 104 for transmitting ultrasound
waves to the object, and receiving the ultrasound waves that were
reflected inside the object. In the foregoing case, the acquired object
information refers to information which reflects the difference in the
acoustic impedances of the tissues inside the object.

[0052] The signal processing unit 109 is means for acquiring internal
information of the object from the photoacoustic signal. The
photoacoustic signal acquired from the acoustic probe 104 is amplified by
a reception amplifier, and converted into a digital signal by an A/D
converter. The digital signal is communicated to the operating apparatus
200 via a communication line, operated into three-dimensional information
based on image reconfiguration processing, and thereafter displayed as
image information on the image display unit 203.

[0053] With an embodiment of the present invention, in addition to the
above, provided are region of interest designating means (not shown) for
the user to designate the region of interest, a camera 108 for providing
an observed image of the object to be referred to upon designating the
region of interest for the object, and an apparatus control unit 107 for
controlling the operation of the measuring apparatus 100. The laser light
source 101, the optical system 102, the compression plate 103, the
acoustic probe 104, the camera 108, and the region designating unit 201
are now explained in further detail.

<Laser Light Source 101>

[0054] When the object is a biological object, irradiated from the light
source is light of a specific wavelength that is absorbed by a specific
component among the components configuring the biological object. As the
light source, preferably used is a pulsed light source capable of
generating pulsed light of several nanoseconds to several hundred
nanoseconds, and at least one pulse sound source capable of generating
pulsed light of 5 nanoseconds to 50 nanoseconds is provided. While laser
is preferable as the light source, a light-emitting diode or the like may
also be used in substitute for a laser. As the laser, solid-state laser,
gas laser, dye laser, semiconductor laser and other lasers may be used.

[0055] Moreover, light may also be irradiated from the acoustic probe
side, or irradiated from the side that is opposite to the acoustic probe.
In addition, light may also be irradiated from either side of the object.
Moreover, in this embodiment, while a single light source is shown as an
example, a plurality of light sources may also be used. In the case of
using a plurality of light sources, a plurality of light sources that
oscillate the same wavelength may be used in order to increase the
irradiation intensity of the light to be irradiated on the biological
object, or a plurality of light sources having a different oscillation
wavelength may be used in order to measure the difference in the
wavelength of optical characteristic value distribution. Note that, as
the light source, if it is possible to use dyes or OPO (Optical
Parametric Oscillators) capable of converting the oscillation wavelength,
it is also possible to measure the difference in the wavelength of
optical characteristic value distribution.

[0056] Light shows electromagnetic waves including visible light and
infrared light, and specifically light of a region between 500 nm and
1300 nm, preferably light of a region of 700 nm to 1100 nm with low
absorption in the biological object, is used. However, when obtaining the
optical characteristic value distribution of the biological object tissue
which is relatively near the biological object surface, a wavelength
region that is broader than the foregoing wavelength region; for
instance, a wavelength region of 400 nm to 1600 nm may also be used. Of
the light within the foregoing range, a specific wavelength may be
selected based on the components to be measured.

[0057] Moreover, with a laser light source, the irradiation frequency is
usually determined in advance. The irradiation frequency is preferably
high as possible since the irradiation frequency affects the number of
photoacoustic measurements that can be performed per unit time. In this
embodiment, the irradiation frequency of the laser light source is 10 Hz.

<Optical System 102>

[0058] The optical system 102 is, for example, a mirror which reflects
light, a lens which focuses, expands or changes the shape of light, a
prism which disperses, refracts and reflects light, an optical fibre
which propagates light, a diffuser panel, or the like. Light that is
irradiated from the light source can be guided to an object by using an
optical member such as a lens or a mirror, or propagated by using an
optical member such as an optical fibre. The foregoing optical members
may be of any type so as long as the light emitted from the light source
can be irradiated, in the intended shape, onto the object.

[0059] Note that, generally speaking, rather than focusing the light with
a lens, it is more preferable to broaden the area to a certain extent
from the perspective that the diagnosis region can be expanded. Moreover,
the region where light is irradiated onto the object (hereinafter
referred to as the "irradiation region") is preferably movable. By
causing the irradiation region to be movable, light can be irradiated to
a broader range. Moreover, preferably, the irradiation region can be
moved in synch with the acoustic probe 104. As the method of moving the
irradiation region, a method of using a movable mirror or a method of
mechanically moving the light source itself may be adopted.

<Compression Plate 103>

[0060] The compression plate 103 retains at least a part of the shape of
the object to be constant, and is provided between the object and the
acoustic probe 104. When the object is sandwiched from either side using
the compression plates, the position during measurement is fixed, and it
is thereby possible to reduce the positional errors caused by body motion
or the like. Moreover, by compressing the object, light can efficiently
reach the deep part of the object. As the holding member, preferably used
is a member having high optical transmittance and high acoustic
compatibility with the object and the acoustic probe. In order to improve
the acoustic compatibility, an acoustic matching member such as a gel may
be interposed between the compression plate and the object, and between
the compression plate and the acoustic probe.

<Acoustic Probe 104>

[0061] The acoustic probe 104 is a device which detects acoustic waves and
converts the detected acoustic waves into an electric signal. The
photoacoustic waves generated from a biological object are ultrasound
waves of 100 kHz to 100 MHz. Thus, as the acoustic probe 104, an
ultrasound detector capable of receiving the foregoing frequency band is
used. Note that any detector may be used so as long as it is able to
detect the acoustic wave signal and convert the acoustic wave signal into
an electric signal; for instance, a transducer that uses the
piezoelectric phenomenon, a transducer that uses the oscillation of
light, or a transducer that uses the change in capacity. Note that a
detector is preferably configured by a plurality of receiving elements
being arrayed two-dimensionally.

[0062] As a result of using such two-dimensional arrayed elements,
acoustic waves can be simultaneously detected at a plurality of
locations, and it is possible to shorten the detection time as well as
reduce the influence of vibration of the object and so on. In an
embodiment of the present invention, let it be assumed that the receiving
element pitch is a 2 mm interval, the receiving element array is five
elements in the main scanning direction (direction in which the acoustic
probe moves while performing the scan), and five elements in the sub
scanning direction (direction that is orthogonal to the main scanning
direction).

<Camera 108>

[0063] The photoacoustic measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention includes a camera 108 for providing images to be
referred to by the user upon designing the regions of interest to be
subject to photoacoustic measurement. The camera 108 is installed in a
direction that is orthogonal to the holding plates that compress and hold
the object, and the captured image is transmitted to the operating
apparatus 200, and displayed as the observed image. The visual field of
the camera is preferably installed at a view angle in which the
photoacoustic measurable range can be viewed. The camera is installed so
that the compressed and held object can be observed, and the user can
designate the region of interest while observing the compressed and held
object.

<Region Designating Unit 201>

[0064] The photoacoustic apparatus according to an embodiment of the
present invention includes a region designating unit 201 as means for the
user to designate the region of interest to be imaged. The user
designates the region for imaging the region of interest by using input
means such as a mouse while referring to the observed image of the
compressed and held object that is displayed on the display device. The
input means is not limited to a mouse or a keyboard, and may also be a
tablet type or a touch pad mounted on the display device surface. In this
embodiment, a plurality of regions of interest can be designated.

[0065] In an embodiment of the present invention, in order to associate
the observed image and the scanning surface of the acoustic probe, the
camera 108 is installed so as to capture the observed image of a surface
that is parallel to the plane to be scanned by the acoustic probe
relative to the object. The user can designate the region to be scanned
with the probe by setting a two-dimensional rectangle (measurement
designated region) at a location corresponding to the position to be
measured while referring to the observed image captured by the camera.
Note that the measurement designated region may also be a shape other
than a rectangle.

[0066] As the method of designating the measurement region, coordinates
may also be designated based on input using a keyboard. The coordinate
designating method in the foregoing case may be the designation of
central coordinates of the measurement region of a predetermined size in
order to specify the measurement region, or a plurality of vertex
coordinates may be designated on the reference image plane so as to set
the measurement designated region. In all of the foregoing cases, it is
possible to set a measurement designated region as the two-dimensional
rectangular region on the reference image plane.

[0067] The photoacoustic measuring apparatus according to an embodiment of
the present invention converts the image coordinate system of the camera
into an apparatus coordinate system based on the designated measurement
designated region, and performs control so as to move the probe to a
corresponding position of the actual object.

[0068] The screen image for designating the region in this embodiment is
shown in FIG. 2. In the diagram, 301 represents an observed image from a
specific direction relative to the object, and 302 represents a
measurement designated region that was designated by the user while
referring to the observed image. With respect to the measurement
designated region 302, it is possible to designate a region of an
arbitrary size through operations such as disposing a rectangle of a
pre-set size, or inputting a rectangle using a pointing device.

[0069] Moreover, a function for designating a plurality of measurement
designated regions is also provided. For example, this is a method where
a multiple selection button is provided and, when the measurement
designated region is designated while pressing the multiple selection
button, a plurality of measurement designated regions which were selected
while the multiple selection button is being pressed are stored. As
another method, by providing a "Select next region" menu on the menu
screen and designating this menu each time a measurement designated
region is designated, the region of interest can be designated
successively. In all of the foregoing methods, it is preferable to
prepare means for cancelling a part or all of the designations of the
measurement designated region.

[0070] Moreover, in an embodiment of the present invention, after setting
a plurality of measurement designated regions, it is possible to newly
select the respective measurement designated regions using a pointing
device and individually designate the scanning priority. In the foregoing
case, the same scanning priority may be designated in a plurality of
regions, or higher scanning priority may be set in the order that the
measurement designated region was set.

[0071] The foregoing processes are executed by the region designating unit
201 and the system control unit 204, and correspond to the
region-of-interest setting unit and the priority setting unit in the
acoustic wave measuring apparatus to which the present invention can be
applied.

FIRST EMBODIMENT

[0072] The operation of the photoacoustic measuring apparatus according to
the first embodiment is now explained in detail with reference to the
drawings.

<Designation of Region of Interest>

[0073] A plurality of measurement designated regions, so called regions of
interest, are designated by a user via the region designating unit 201. A
specific example of the designation of the measurement designated region
by the user is shown in FIG. 4. In the diagram, 406 represents a region
corresponding to the observed image, and is a planar range in which the
acoustic probe can perform scanning. 401 to 405 are measurement
designated regions that were designated by the user. 401 to 403 are
regions which are set with a high priority (let this be priority 1), and
404, 405 are regions which are set with a low priority (let this be
priority 2). As shown in the diagram, regardless of the setting of
priority, it is also possible to designate the measurement designated
regions in a mutually overlapping state. The designated regions of
interest are stored in the system control unit 204.

[0074] Moreover, in the foregoing case, the measuring conditions of the
photoacoustic measurement can also be set. In this embodiment, it is also
possible to set the number of acquisitions (cumulative number) of the
photoacoustic data in the same coordinate position upon measuring the
measurement region. Here, let it be assumed that the cumulative number is
set to 10 times.

[0075] When the user gives instructions for starting measurement, a
measurement request message is sent from the system control unit 204 to
the apparatus control unit 107. The processing contents of the measuring
apparatus 100 in this embodiment are now explained with reference to FIG.
3, which is a processing flowchart of the controller unit 107.

<Calculation of Scanning Speed for Measurement>

[0076] When the apparatus control unit 107 receives a measurement request
message, the apparatus control unit 107 foremost calculates the scanning
speed for measurement and the number of scans required for obtaining the
cumulative number desired by the user (S1). Let it be assumed that the
number of elements of the acoustic probe in the main scanning direction
is Enx elements, the element pitch is Ep (mm), the cumulative number of
photoacoustic measurement is Mn, and the light-emitting frequency of the
laser light source is LHz (Hz). In order to simplify the explanation,
when the cumulative number Mn is a multiple of the number of elements
Enx, the scanning speed Vx (mm/sec) of the acoustic probe and the laser
light source in the main scanning direction and the number of scans Sn
are calculated based on Formula (1) and Formula (2), respectively. The
processing of step S1 corresponds to the moving speed acquiring unit in
the acoustic wave measuring apparatus to which the present invention can
be applied.

Vx=Ep×LHz (1)

Sn=Mn/Enx (2)

[0077] In the case of this embodiment, since the number of elements of the
acoustic probe 104 in the scanning direction is five elements, estimation
can be performed 5 times when the acoustic probe 104 is to be moved on
the object surface, and 10 estimations can be performed if the acoustic
probe makes one full round. Moreover, since the element pitch is 2 mm and
the light-emitting frequency of the laser light source is 10 Hz, the
scanning speed upon measurement will be 20 mm/sec.

[0078] The foregoing calculation example of the scanning speed is an
example of a case using photoacoustic measurement. Upon applying an
acoustic wave measuring apparatus of a type which transmits ultrasound
waves to an object and receives reflected waves thereof, the moving speed
upon measurement can be similarly calculated based on the drive frequency
of the acoustic probe and the element pitch of the acoustic probe in the
main scanning direction.

[0079] The scanning speed and number of scans for measurement obtained as
described above are used for calculating the scanning region or
determining the measurement order explained later.

<Calculation of Scanning Region>

[0080] Subsequently, the apparatus control unit 107 calculates the
scanning region as the region in which the acoustic probe actually
performs scanning. Calculation of the scanning region is performed in the
scanning priority order from the measurement designated region having a
high scanning priority. Foremost, among the plurality of measurement
designated regions that were designated, the inclusion region which
includes all measurement designated regions of the scanning priority to
be focused is calculated (S2). In other words, a region which includes
all of the measurement designated regions and which is the smallest
rectangular region is obtained as the inclusion region. The scanning
priority is hereafter simply referred to as the "priority".

[0081]FIG. 5 shows an image of the inclusion region of priority 1.
Regions 401, 402, 403 shown in FIG. 5 are the measurement designated
regions of priority 1, and a rectangle 504 is the inclusion region that
was calculated from the measurement designated regions.

[0082] Subsequently, a scanning strip is assigned to the inside of the
inclusion region of priority 1 (S3). A scanning stripe refers to a
rectangular region capable of moving the acoustic probe and the light
source (hereinafter collectively referred to as the "measurement system")
in the main scanning direction. In this embodiment, the width of the
scanning stripe in the main scanning direction in the scanning plane of
the acoustic probe becomes the length of scanning and measurement that
were performed by the acoustic probe, and the width in the sub scanning
direction becomes the length of all element regions of the acoustic probe
in the sub scanning direction. The scanning stripe is hereinafter simply
referred to as the "stripe".

[0083] In reality, while the region subject to photoacoustic measurement
is a three-dimensional region including the depth direction, unless
separately provided for herein, the two-dimensional projection plane on
the scanning surface of the measurement system is indicated as a
"stripe".

[0084] FIG. 6 shows an example of assigning the stripe. Stripes 601a, 601b
are respectively stripes that were assigned to the inclusion region 504
set with priority 1. In this embodiment, while the stripes are assigned
to the inclusion region 504 in order from the top in a manner of lining
the stripes, any method may be used for assigning the stripes so as long
as all measurement designated regions can be included in the stripe.

[0085] Subsequently, the stripe to be processed (hereinafter referred to
as the "notable stripe") is divided into an actual scanning region and a
non-scanning region (S4). An actual scanning region is a region where the
acoustic probe actually performs scanning for measuring the measurement
designated region, and a non-scanning region refers to the other regions.
The actual scanning region is a region that includes the measurement
designated region among the regions included in the stripe.

[0086]FIG. 7 shows an example where the notable stripe has been divided.
701 is a notable stripe, and 702, 703, 704 are regions that overlap with
the notable stripe 701 among the measurement designated regions 401, 402,
403 having priority 1. 705 and 706 including the foregoing regions are
the actual scanning regions, and the intermediate region is the
non-scanning region.

[0087] Subsequently, the scanning region of the notable stripe is
determined (S5). The scanning region determination is the processing of
determining whether the divided regions in the stripe are classified as
any one of the following three types.

[0088] (1) Region (continuous scanning region) subject to photoacoustic
measurement as a result of continuously moving (continuously scanning)
the measurement system in the main scanning direction while acquiring the
acoustic waves.

[0089] (2) Region (moving region) in which the measurement system moves
but photoacoustic measurement is not performed.

[0091] In step S5, whether the foregoing actual scanning region is to be
measured via continuous scanning or measured via repeated fixed measuring
is determined. Moreover, with respect to the non-scanning region, whether
to move the acoustic probe without performing measurement or perform
continuous scanning is determined. Specifically, the scanning method of
the respective regions or the moving method is determined so that the
time required for the measurement of the notable stripe and movement
processing becomes the shortest.

[0092] The processing time upon setting a region as the continuous
scanning region can be calculated by dividing the scanning distance by
the continuous scanning speed Vx. Moreover, the processing time upon
setting a region as the fixed measuring region can be calculated by
dividing the laser irradiation frequency by the cumulative number.
Moreover, the processing time of the moving region can be calculated by
dividing the movement distance by the simple moving speed of the drive
apparatus. The processing of step S2 corresponds to the region
calculating unit in the acoustic wave measuring apparatus to which the
present invention can be applied, and the processing of steps S3 to S5
corresponds to the scanning method determining unit.

[0093] A specific calculation example of the scanning region determination
is now explained with reference to FIG. 7. 707 is the initial position of
the acoustic probe.

[0094] With this calculation example, let it be assumed that the element
pitch of the acoustic probe is 2 mm, the element region of the acoustic
probe is a 10 mm square, the scanning speed during measurement is 20
mm/sec, the simple moving speed is 50 mm/sec, the light-emitting
frequency of the light source is 10 Hz, and the cumulative number is 5
times. Let it be further assumed that the length of the notable stripe
701 in the main scanning direction is 50 mm, the actual scanning region
705 is 20 mm, and the actual scanning region 706 is 10 mm.

[0095] Note that, when performing continuous scanning, since measurement
is performed while moving the acoustic probe, there are cases where the
movement distance of the acoustic probe becomes slightly longer than the
length of the actual scanning region (refer to FIG. 9). In this
embodiment, the scanning distance is calculated by adding a distance (10
mm) for the amount of the element region of the acoustic probe.

[0096] Foremost, considered is a case where, after measuring the actual
scanning region 705, the acoustic probe is moved short of the actual
scanning region 706 by passing through the non-scanning region.

[0097] When the actual scanning region 705 is subject to continuous
scanning, the distance required for scanning 705 will be 30 mm, and the
simple movement distance of the non-scanning region will be 10 mm. Thus,
the scanning time will be 30/20=1.5 sec, the moving time will be
10/50=0.2 sec, and the required time can be calculated as 1.7 sec.

[0098] Meanwhile, when the actual scanning region 705 is subject to fixed
measuring, the simple movement of 10 mm will be performed a total of 4
times, and the measurement requiring 0.5 sec will be performed twice.
Thus, the measurement time will be 0.5×2=1 sec, the moving time
will be 40/50=0.8 sec, and the required time can be calculated as 1.8
sec. Thus, it can be seen that the measurement of the actual scanning
region 705 can be performed quicker via continuous scanning.

[0099] Next, considered is a case where, after measuring the actual
scanning region 706, the acoustic probe is moved outside the notable
stripe.

[0100] When the actual scanning region 706 is subject to continuous
scanning, the distance required for scanning 706 will be 20 mm, and the
required time can be calculated as 1 sec. Meanwhile, when the actual
scanning region 706 is subject to fixed measuring, the simple movement of
10 mm will be performed a total of twice, and the measurement requiring
0.5 sec will be performed once. Thus, the measurement time will be 0.5
sec, the moving time will be 20/50=0.4 sec, and the required time can be
calculated as 0.9 sec. Thus, it can be seen that the measurement of the
actual scanning region 706 can be performed quicker via fixed measuring.

[0101] In other words, it can be seen that the scanning can be performed
quickest when the actual scanning region 705 is set as a continuous
scanning region and the actual scanning region 706 is set as a fixed
measuring region. The remaining portion will be the moving region. Note
that the foregoing explanation is of a case where scanning is performed
once, but the time required for measurement can be obtained with the same
logic even in cases where the number of scans is a plurality of times;
for instance, performing scanning twice in a full round.

[0102] The foregoing process of calculating the scanning region (steps S4
and S5) is repeated for all stripes, and the scanning region calculation
of the overall inclusion region is performed.

[0103] Moreover, the processing of foregoing steps S2 to S5 is further
performed in priority order, and the same scanning region is calculated
for each set priority.

<Determination of Scanning Track>

[0104] Subsequently, the apparatus control unit 107 determines the
scanning order among the actual scanning regions regarding the respective
scanning regions that were calculated for each priority (S6). The
determination criteria is to determine an order which will shorten the
total measurement time of the measurement regions of all priorities, and
shorten the displacement of the measurement system. The processing of
step S6 corresponds to the scanning path identifying unit in the acoustic
wave measuring apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

[0105] The processing of step S6 is explained in further detail in the
flowchart of FIG. 8. When step S6 is started, processing of the stripe
with the highest priority is started. Foremost, the actual scanning
region to be scanned is determined (S11). In the initial processing, the
actual scanning region to be scanned is the actual scanning region that
is closest to the acoustic probe.

[0106] Subsequently, information of the actual scanning region is added to
the measuring track list (S12). The measuring track list records, at
least, the measurement start coordinates, measurement method (continuous
scanning measuring or fixed measuring), and information regarding the
scanning distance. Note that, when there are a plurality of actual
scanning regions in the same stripe, all actual scanning regions are
added to the measuring track list.

[0107] When there are unprocessed regions of the same priority, the same
processing is performed with the actual scanning region of the closest
distance to the measurement end coordinates of the added actual scanning
region as the subsequent destination.

[0108] When the processing of all stripes of the same priority is
complete, the same processing is performed regarding one lower priority.
As a result of performing the foregoing processing, information of the
actual scanning region to be scanned will be listed in the scanning
execution order, and stored for each priority.

[0109] The apparatus control unit 107 refers to the measuring track list
that was stored according to the foregoing procedure, and executes
measurement while moving between the actual scanning regions (S7). The
processing of step S7 corresponds to the scanning unit in the acoustic
wave measuring apparatus to which the present invention can be applied.

[0110] The photoacoustic measuring apparatus according to this embodiment
calculates the region to be scanned by the measurement system in the
priority order based on the measurement designated region and priority
designated by the user, and determines the track on which the measurement
system is to move upon performing the photoacoustic measurement.
Consequently, the user is no longer required to set the scanning track,
and can concentrate on the designation of the region of interest.

[0111] Moreover, the photoacoustic measuring apparatus according to this
embodiment comprises moving speed acquiring unit for calculating the
continuous scanning speed, region calculating unit for determining the
time required for the measurement and determining the scanning region,
and scanning path identifying unit which uses the movement distance other
than measurement as the measuring condition. Consequently, in comparison
to a case of performing simple scanning scheduling such as subjecting all
regions to continuous scanning, it is possible to efficiently calculate
the scannable track, and thereby shorten the measurement time.

[0112] Note that the moving speed acquiring unit (step S1) may be omitted
if the moving speed and cumulative number are defined there is no need to
calculate the same. Moreover, a part of the scanning method determining
unit (steps S4 and S5) may also be omitted if there is no need to perform
scanning region determination in the same priority. Even with the
foregoing configurations, it is possible to scan the plurality of regions
of interest in the priority order designated by the user, and
additionally yield an effect of being able to shorten the measurement
time.

[0113] Note that the receiving elements of the acoustic probe are not
limited to the grid pattern of this embodiment, and may also be a
honeycomb shape, a hound's-tooth shape, or other arrangement. The
determination of the moving speed of the probe is not limited to the
method illustrated in this embodiment, and various algorithms may be
applied for adjusting the scanning speed in dependence of the measuring
conditions or apparatus configuration. Moreover, the scanning speed
calculation function in this embodiment aims to obtain the probe moving
speed for measurement and, therefore, the reference parameters and
algorithms are not limited to those described in this embodiment.

SECOND EMBODIMENT

[0114] The second embodiment is the mode of detecting a portion which
overlaps with the regions of different priorities and optimizing the
shape of the regions in step (S4) of dividing the scanning region shown
in the first embodiment. The processing other than step S4 and the system
configuration are the same as the first embodiment.

[0115]FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the state of data accumulation of the
region that was captured while moving the acoustic probe. In the diagram,
the observer's right-side direction is the main scanning direction. The
checkered rectangle represents the location where the receiving elements
of the acoustic probe existed upon performing photoacoustic measurement
while shifting the acoustic probe in the main scanning direction one
element at a time. In order to perform photoacoustic measurement while
shifting the acoustic probe in the main scanning direction one element at
a time, the scanning region will be, as shown in the diagram, filled by
grids of the element size of the acoustic probe without any space
therebetween. Note that, in this embodiment, let it be assumed that the
cumulative number has been set to 5 times.

[0116] The numbers in the grid show number of times that photoacoustic
measurement was performed; that is, the cumulative number of
photoacoustic measurement, at that location. A region 801 is the actual
scanning region, and a region where estimation is performed 5 times.
Since scanning and estimation are performed while shifting the acoustic
probe in the main scanning direction one element at a time, this means
that there will constantly be four elements' worth of excess data before
and after the actual scanning region to be measured.

[0117] FIG. 10 shows an example of a case where a region of high priority
(first priority) and a region of low priority (second priority) overlap
with each other. As shown in FIG. 10A, let it be assumed that an
unmeasured region 901 of low priority is set so as to overlap with the
measured region 801 of high priority. In the foregoing case, as described
above, there will be data in which the cumulative number is less than 5
obtained during the measurement of the region 801.

[0118] In other words, when actual scanning regions of different
priorities overlap respectively, the actual scanning region can be
reduced by reusing the data obtained upon scanning the region of high
priority for the region of low priority. Specifically, in addition to the
regions in which estimation has been performed 5 times, the region may be
further reduced in an amount of four elements so as to achieve a region
902 shown in FIG. 10B. When continuous scanning is performed to the
region 902, since four elements' worth of data on the right side can be
similarly acquired, it is possible to obtain a cumulative number of 5
times for all regions. In other words, it is possible to shorten the
measurement time since there is no need to move the distance of the
reduced amount of eight elements.

[0119] In order to realize the foregoing function, in this embodiment, the
photoacoustic wave measuring apparatus according to the first embodiment
is additionally equipped with a storage region in which the actual
scanning region is further divided based on the element pitch of the
acoustic probe, and the cumulative number of each of the divided regions
is mapped.

[0120] In addition, upon performing the processing of step S4, the
scheduled cumulative number associated with the measurement is mapped to
each of the divided regions. Upon performing the scheduling of low
priority, the portion in which the predetermined number of estimations is
complete regarding the determination of the measurement region is
excluded from the actual scanning region. Moreover, even when it is less
than the predetermined number of times, any region that is overlapping
with the previously measured region is determined to be a portion capable
of reusing the measured data, and also excluded from the actual scanning
region. In other words, the actual scanning region is reduced so as to
include only the unmeasured regions.

[0121] In normal measurement processing, any region that does not satisfy
the cumulative number set in the measuring conditions such as the region
outside the region 801; that is, excess data, is erased. Nevertheless, in
this embodiment, since all cumulative data is stored for each coordinate
until all measurement is complete, it is possible to divert the data upon
measuring the actual scanning region of low priority, and thereby improve
the measuring efficiency.

[0122] Note that, in this embodiment, while a region that has been
estimated even once was excluded from the actual scanning region, the
determination of exclusion is not limited to the case that was
illustrated in this embodiment. For example, the reference cumulative
number or the like may also be changed according to the cumulative number
of data, probe shape, sensitivity distribution, or the like.

[0123] Moreover, while this embodiment determined the overlap of regions
in step S4 of dividing the scanning region, this may also be performed in
other steps so as long as the processing can exclude the overlap of
regions of different priorities. For example, it is also possible to
determine the overlap of regions in step S2 of determining the inclusion
region per priority.

THIRD EMBODIMENT

[0124] The third embodiment is a mode of changing the assignment method in
step (S3) of assigning the stripes to the inclusion region. Upon
assigning the stripes to the inclusion region, the stripe arrangement
position is adjusted so that measurement of regions of all priorities is
completed with the shortest possible scanning distance. Note that the
processing other than step S3 and the system configuration are the same
as the second embodiment.

[0125] With the photoacoustic measuring apparatus according to the first
and second embodiments, since the photoacoustic measurement is performed
in stripe units, excess regions will be measured when they are smaller
than the height of the actual scanning regions in which the measurement
designated regions designated by the user. If it is possible to measure
the measurement designated region, the excess regions may be located
anywhere, and the stripes may be moved in the sub scanning direction in
the amount of the width of the excess region.

[0126] FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a case where an excess data
measurement region occurs. In FIG. 11A, regions 1001 and 1002 are the
actual scanning regions designated as being high priority (priority 1), a
region 1003 is the actual scanning region designated as being low
priority (priority 2). The stripes 1004 and 1005 are stripes that were
assigned for measuring the actual scanning regions designated as being
priority 1. In the first and second embodiments, the stripe arrangement
will be of the illustrated shape since the stripes are assigned, in order
from the top, to the inclusion region of each priority.

[0127] When the region 1003 of low priority is to be measured after
measuring the regions 1001, 1002, the unmeasured region will be shown as
an angular C-shape as shown in FIG. 11B. In other words, in order to
measure the entire region 1003 of low priority, it is necessary to newly
measure regions 1007 to 1009. Assuming that the horizontal width of the
regions 1007, 1009 is 25 mm and the horizontal width of the region 1008
is 10 mm, the distance that needs to be newly measured will be
25+10+25=60 mm.

[0128] Meanwhile, upon measuring the regions 1001, 1002, it is possible to
arrange the stripes in displacement as shown in FIG. 11C. In the
foregoing case, the unmeasured region of the region 1003 will be
displayed as an L-shape as shown in FIG. 11D. In other words, in order to
measure the entire region 1003, it is necessary to newly measure regions
1010 to 1012. Based on the same calculation as the case of FIG. 11B, the
distance that needs to be newly measured will be 10+10+25=45 mm and,
therefore, in comparison to the case of making no adjustment, the
scanning distance upon measuring the regions of low priority can be
shortened by 15 mm. Note that, upon performing continuous scanning, while
the length of the region to be measured and the scanning distance of the
acoustic probe will slightly differ, these are considered to be the same
in the present invention.

[0129] Step S3 in this embodiment disposes stripes in the inclusion region
of a predetermined priority, and thereafter determines whether there is a
region which overlaps with a region of one lower priority. Here, if there
is an overlapping region, the arranged stripes are shifted in the sub
scanning direction, and a position which will shorten the scanning
distance upon measuring the regions of low priority is detected.

[0130] An example of shifting the stripes is now explained. In this
explanation, the main scanning direction is the x axis and the sub
scanning direction is the y axis.

[0131] In FIG. 11A, d1 is the distance of the excess portion of the
measurement region of the region 1001 of priority 1 in the sub scanning
direction. Since the region 1001 requires a height that is worth two
stripes for the scanning, when the number of elements of the probe in the
sub scanning direction is Eny and the element pitch is Ep, the required
height of the scanning stripe can be calculated as 2×Eny×Ep.

[0132] Here, when the y coordinates of the uppermost part of the region of
priority 1 is Uy1, and the y coordinates of the lowermost part of the
region of priority 1 is Ly1, the excess range dl of the region 1001 in
the sub scanning direction will be (2×Eny×Ep-Uy1-Ly1). Note
that, in the case of FIG. 11, Uy1 will be the y coordinates of the
uppermost part of the region 1001, and Ly1 will be the y coordinates of
the lowermost part of the region 1001.

[0133] In FIG. 11A, d2 is the difference between the uppermost part of the
region of priority 2 and the uppermost part of the region of priority 1.
Here, when the y coordinates of the uppermost part of the region of
priority 2 is Uy2, d2 can be represented as Uy2-Uy1. Thus, if d1>0 and
d2>0, there will be a margin for adjusting the stripe position at the
upper part in the sub scanning direction.

[0134] Subsequently, whether d1 and d2 correspond to any one of the
following three conditions is determined.

<Condition 1>

[0135] When d2 is a distance that is not smaller than the integral
multiple (N times) of Eny×Ep; that is, when
d2≧N×Eny×Ep is satisfied, N-number of stripes are
disposed at the upper part of the measurement region of the region 1003
of priority 2. Here, when (d2-N×Eny×Ep)≦d1, the
stripes for measuring the regions of priority 1 are shifted upward by
(d2-N×Eny×Ep).

<Condition 2>

[0136] When d1≧d2, the stripes for measuring the regions of
priority 1 are shifted to a position shifted upward by d2; that is,
shifted to the upper end of the region 1003 of priority 2.

<Condition 3>

[0137] When d2<Eny×Ep, the upper limit position of the stripes
for measuring the regions of priority 1 is shifted to the same position
as the upper limit position of the regions of priority 1. The upper end
of the stripes for measuring the regions of priority 2 is started from
the same position as the upper limit of the regions of priority 2, and
the measurement region thereof will overlap with the regions of priority
1.

[0138] Based on the foregoing method, candidates of the displacement
position of the stripes for measuring the regions of priority 1 are
determined. When the candidates of the displacement position are
determined, the scanning distance upon measuring the regions of low
priority is calculated, and, upon determining whether the scanning
distance becomes shorter before and after shifting the stripes, the
ultimate stripe position is determined.

[0139] Note that, when the scanning distance for measuring the regions of
low priority will be the same regardless of how the stripes are shifted,
the stripe position will remain unchanged.

[0140] As a result of performing the foregoing processing in addition to
the processing of step S3 in the second embodiment, it is possible to
reduce the scanning distance to the regions of low priority, and reduce
the time required for performing measurement.

[0141] Note that, while this embodiment described an example of processing
the actual scanning region of the highest priority, this embodiment may
be applied to any priority so as long as there is one lower priority.
Moreover, in this embodiment, when the overlapping with regions of one
lower priority is determined and the stripe position is adjusted, but
there are still three or more priorities, it is also possible to further
determine the overlapping with regions of even lower priority.

[0142] Moreover, the method of shifting the stripe is not limited to the
example illustrated in this embodiment. For example, there are cases
where the measurement accuracy is improved and the scanning time is
shortened based on scheduling in which the stripes are overlapped in the
sub scanning direction according to the data accumulation, shape of
probe, sensitivity distribution, and the like. Moreover, while this
embodiment adopted a mode of moving the arrangement position after
assigning the stripes, it is also possible to calculate the optimal
position before assigning the stripes so as to directly assign the
stripes.

[0143] Moreover, it is also possible to define the amount of displacement
of the stripes in advance, and perform calculations of all patterns. For
example, when the stripe adjustment margin is 5 mm, it is possible to
perform 5 calculations by shifting the stripes 1 mm at a time, and
adopting the stripe in which the scanning distance becomes shortest.
Moreover, while this embodiment adjusted the position of the stripes so
as to shorten the scanning distance upon measuring the regions of low
priority, the scanning time may also be used as the determination
criteria in substitute for the scanning distance.

[0144] The foregoing embodiments are merely an example, and the present
invention may be implemented by being changed as needed to the extent
that such change does not deviate from the gist of this invention.

[0145] While the present invention has been described with reference to
exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not
limited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of the
following claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to
encompass all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

[0146] This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application
No. 2011-242271, filed on Nov. 4, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by
reference herein its entirety.